A new 2010 study by Joshua Busby and others entitled “Locating Climate Insecurity: Where Are the Most Vulnerable Places in Africa?” examines Africa’s vulnerability to climate change. It assesses indicators such as physical exposure to climate-related disasters, household vulnerability, and political violence.

On October 13th, the US Department of Defense hosted its first-ever Energy Security Forum, reflecting the U.S.’s increased interest in the issue of energy use within the military. Decision makers emphasized the tremendous strategic and tactical implications.

The New Security Beat discusses this summer’s historic floods in Pakistan and their security implications. A government overstrained by the extent of the catastrophe, coupled with insufficient amounts of international aid, offers an opportunity for extremists to step in and offer their own aid.

In order to discuss rival claims on energy reserves in the Arctic, Russia, Norway, Canada, Denmark and the United States convened in Moscow on September 22nd. Melting ice caps make the region’s resources increasingly accessible, which may account for up to 30 percent of the world’s gas reserves. While the issue has raised fears of possible military confrontation, all countries affirmed their determination to resolve the dispute peacefully and on the basis of international law.

Published in: ECC-Newsletter, October 2010